Private investigation is a common second career for police officers. Investigators gather information on legal, financial and personal matters, conduct surveillance and interview people. The skills fit is very close; the questions are licensing and income.
Skills that carry over
All 13 important skills for private detectives and investigators are at or near the level of a typical patrol officer, and nine already meet it. Speaking, complex problem solving, writing, social perceptiveness and monitoring are strengths: report writing, interviews and observation are core police work.
The only notable knowledge gap is administrative knowledge: running cases, records and billing, often as a small business.
Licensing
The BLS notes that most states require private detectives and investigators to be licensed. Check both state and local requirements. Rules on experience, exams and carrying firearms differ by state.
Education and experience
Both occupations are in O*NET Job Zone 3. Investigators most often report a bachelor's degree (38%), while for patrol officers the most common answer is a high school diploma. Related experience is valued: four to six years and two to four years are the most common answers.
Pay
The May 2025 national median wage was $51,220 for private investigators and $76,210 for police and sheriff's patrol officers, about $24,990 less a year. If you will have a pension, look at total income, not just the median wage. The middle half of investigators earned about $40,700 to $73,990.
Planning the move
- Check your state's PI license rules and whether law-enforcement experience counts toward them.
- Consider specializations such as insurance, corporate or legal investigations.
- Use the cost calculator with your pension and expected case income.